Easy Korean Level 10 - Unit 28: Advanced Situational Expressions (Encouraging someone)

In this lesson, we will look at how to encourage someone and give them strength when they are feeling down or facing a tough challenge.

1. "Cheer up!" / "You can do it!"

• 기운 내세요! (Gather your energy! / Cheer up!)
• 힘내요! / 파이팅! (Have strength! / Fighting!)
• 할 수 있어요! (You can do it!)

2. "I'm on your side."

Showing solidarity is a great way to encourage someone. - 제가 응원할게요. (I will cheer for you / support you.) - 항상 당신 편이에요. (I am always on your side.) - 제가 뒤에 있잖아요. (I'm right behind you, you know. -> I have your back.)

3. "Don't give up."

• 포기하지 마세요. (Don't give up.)
• 조금만 더 버텨보세요. (Just endure it a little bit more / Hang in there a bit longer.)
• 시작이 반이에요. (Starting is half the battle. -> A famous Korean proverb meaning once you start, you're already halfway there.)

4. Validating their effort

Sometimes the best encouragement is simply acknowledging how hard they are trying. - 지금도 충분히 잘하고 있어요. (You are doing well enough even now.) - 열심히 하는 모습이 참 보기 좋아요. (It's really nice to see you working so hard.) - 노력은 배신하지 않아요. (Effort does not betray. -> Hard work pays off.)

Example Dialogue

A: 요즘 공부가 너무 안 돼서 포기하고 싶어요. 제 실력이 부족한가 봐요. (Studying isn't going well lately, so I want to give up. I guess my skills are lacking.) B: 에이, 그런 소리 마세요. 지금도 충분히 잘하고 있어요. (Aw, don't say that. You are doing well enough even now.) A: 정말 그럴까요? 이번 시험에 또 떨어지면 어떡하죠? (Do you really think so? What if I fail this exam again?) B: 제가 응원할게요. 포기하지 말고 조금만 더 버텨보세요. 노력은 배신하지 않으니까요. 파이팅! (I will support you. Don't give up and hang in there a little longer. Effort doesn't betray you. Fighting!)